Tobago conservation & social projects

Tobago prides itself on being clean, green and serene and this is thanks to the actions of its people, as well as its sensitive tourism industry. Just by being on Tobago, you are contributing to the wellbeing of its people, as more than 70p out of every tourist pound spent here stays on the island* – almost five times as much as on other Caribbean islands. However, there are many more ways you can ensure you leave more than just footprints during your Tobago holiday – whether you want to support schoolchildren, communities or sea turtles.

The simplest thing you can do is get out and meet the locals. Eat at local restaurants, shop at craft stalls, hang out in a rum shop and join in with Tobago’s whirlwind of cultural events. Self catering villas and apartments call for trips to the market to find the freshest fruit. Not sure what that spiky green thing is? Ask the stallholder! Rather than having the postcard-image of a beach in your head, you’ll have a whole holiday album of memories to look back on – as well a knowing you’ve supported those who made your trip so exceptional.

“I felt that the local people there benefited from our holiday and the whole thing just felt right. You were able to buy services from neighbours (like washing, cooking or cooking lessons, trips into Scarborough, etc) at a fair price and people were obviously benefiting directly. Guests were expected to accept their responsibilities as tourists as well, so there wasn't that awful dynamic that often develops in tourist areas, where tourists feel entitled to everything and anything and locals become resentful and cynical.” – Gudrun Frees, from our holiday reviews